Methotrexate dosage as a source of bias in biological trials in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate if optimal dose of either oral or injectable regimens of methotrexate (MTX) of 25 mg/week was used in the comparator arms of studies comparing biologic drugs with MTX in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases for randomised controlled trials comparing biologics with MTX in RA. A systematic review was performed among studies that met predefined criteria focusing on assessment of dose of MTX used in the comparator arm. Study authors were contacted when necessary. Study quality was assessed.

Results

A total of 3276 references were identified and 13 trials were included. We obtained maximal dose and regimen for all. The maximal dose of MTX used in the co

SUBMITTER: Duran J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4982794 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature